psykobowler
New member
I have used Mrs Wage's pickling lime and it works fine but switched to BRS brand because it is actually cheaper and they are the same thing (calcium hydroxide).
http://www.bulkreefsupply.com/store/products/calcium-alkalinity-magnesium/kalkwasser-calcium-hydroxide/1-gallon-bulk-kalkwasser-calcium-hydroxide-for-aquariums.html
Yes, you would want to be sure the sediment does not get in the tank. I use kalk in my 20 gallon ATO and have the pump about 1" off the bottom so it doesn't draw the sediment. I also make sure it has a few hours to settle out after refilling.
Kalk is pretty cheap. I found food grade Kalk - 50 lbs for around $30 here in Sacramento (Sierra Chemical Company). That is also where I get my MgCL/sulfate and other chemicals. It will definitely last a while and does good on my tank. I do not use it with an ato because evaporation varies where I live. Instead I use premix kalk with a doser and controller. Kalk really helps with stability.